Things to Do

Annual Events in Princeton NJ

Communiversity, April

The Communiversity celebration annually brings the town and University together for a day of performances, food, games and more. This annual event takes place rain or shine on Nassau and Witherspoon streets and the Princeton University campus. The event is sponsored by students at the University and the Arts Council of Princeton. Merchants, nonprofit organizations, musicians, performing and visual artists, food vendors and 60 University student organizations and performing groups turn the area into a colorful fairground with events for students and families alike. Numerous student and community groups perform on four stages, and the streets of Princeton and the front of campus are filled with vendors, information booths, art exhibits and food stands.

PRINCETON UNIVERSITY P-rade, May

Princeton University has its own unique tradition called P-rade. Each year, the day before the commencement ceremony, there is a parade of Princeton alumni in colorful costumes. The parade begins at the FitzRandolph Gates, weaves through campus and marches down Elm Drive to a finale at Poe-Pardee Field. You never know who you might see parading or who you might see in the crowds.

Flag Day, June

Princeton Township Hall
Sponsored by the "Spirit of Princeton"

Fourth of July Fireworks, July

Princeton area skies will be ablaze with colors when the Spirit of Princeton Committee presents its Fourth of July fireworks. The committee hosts the free event at the athletic fields of Princeton University on Washington Road, near Carnegie Lake.

JAZZFEAST, September

Enjoy an al fresco afternoon of great jazz and wonderful food every September in Palmer Square. Attendees travel from throughout the tristate area for this unique and popular event. Over 20 area restaurants participate by setting up a food festival in the street and live jazz keeps the crowd feeling fine and keeping cool.

APPLE DAY FESTIVAL AT TERHUNE ORCHARDS, September

Fill your day at Terhune Orchards with your favorite farm activities - wagon rides, pony rides, face painting, pumpkin painting, make your own scarecrow and more. Terhune Orchards grows the best apples and pumpkins, so Pick-Your-Own this weekend. Our own Corn Stalk Maze and adventure barn with an annual theme make the visit fun for the whole family.

Holiday Card Making Workshop, October

conTEMPORARY Arts Center
Admission $3 /$2 members

Hometown Halloween Parade, October

Downtown Princeton
FREE
Meet at Witherspoon Plaza (next to the library) and then, follow the Princeton University Band in a parade to Palmer Square, where the festivities will continue with games and treats on the Green in front of the historic Nassau Inn. Stick around for scary ghost stories, if you dare. Fun for all ages! Don’t forget to wear a costume!

El Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead Festival, November

Princeton Shopping Center Courtyard
FREE
Celebrate El Día de los Muertos, “Day of the Dead,” with the Arts Council and the Princeton Shopping Center. A traditional Mexican holiday, El Día de los Muertos commemorates the lives of friends and relatives who have passed with elaborate decorated altars in their honor, festive music, and delicious food. Join the Arts Council for live music, hands-on art workshops, and lots of fun!

Veteran's Day, November

Veteran's Monument on Mercer Street
Sponsored by the "Spirit of Princeton"

Tree Lighting Ceremony in Palmer Square, November

In Princeton, the day after Thanksgiving, commonly known as "Black Friday," is never quite as exciting as it is on television. But it is a special day for other reasons in Princeton, where retailers and restaurateurs alike enjoy throngs of crowds coming out to participate in the annual Palmer Square tree lighting.

Christmas Eve Caroling, December

Palmer Square in front of Nassau Inn
FREE
Bring a lantern or flashlight and gather on the Green at Palmer Square in front of the historic Nassau Inn for some good, old-fashioned caroling accompanied by the Blawenburg Band. Santa is scheduled to make an appearance! All are welcome!

PRINCETON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, December

PSO’S POPS! Annual Family Holiday Concert
Richardson Auditorium
Open your first present of the holiday season when the Princeton Symphony Orchestra strikes up a perfect afternoon of holiday favorites, great symphonic classics, and the annual sing-along.